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Description Anti-diarrheal. Careful if used in cats! The term "intestinal motility" refers to the ability of the intestinal muscle to contract and move intestinal contents from the mouth end of the animal to the anal end of the animal. In older times, it was thought that diarrhea was the result of excessive motility in the intestinal tract, that intestinal contents were rushed through prematurely in a sequence of muscular spasms. For years, diarrhea was symptomatically treated with medications designed to abolish intestinal muscle tone with the idea that these spasms could be prevented. Results were disappointing. More recently, the details of intestinal contractions have been elucidated. There are many types of muscle contractions in the intestine. There is the forward-propelling "peristaltic" contraction that moves intestinal contents forward. There is "segmental" contraction which can divide the intestine into small segments where different materials can be sequestered temporarily for absorption and digestion. There is also an overall general muscle tone or "tonus" to the intestinal tract and it is this "tonus" that controls the speed by which intestinal contents moves. More muscle tone/tonus means slower movement of intestinal contents, more absorption of water from the intestinal contents, and less tendency towards diarrhea. When this muscle tone is abolished, intestinal contents simply pour through the tract and diarrhea is worse. What is this Medication used for?Despite its inability to produce recreational euphoria, diphenoxylate hydrochloride is actually a member of the opiate class of drugs. (A small amount of atropine is added to diphenoxylate to discourage abuse for recreational purposes. At recommended doses, the atropine causes no effects but if one tries to use larger quantities the atropine produces unpleasant symptoms.) Opiates have numerous effects that have made them beneficial (as well targets of abuse) for centuries; one such beneficial effect is an increase in general muscle tone of the small intestine. As described above, increasing tonus means more absorption of water and nutrients and less diarrhea. What are the side effects?Side effects are not common with diphenoxylate hydrochloride but constipation and/or bloating are possibilities. Since diphenoxylate hydrochloride is an opiate, tranquilization is a possible side effect. What special Precautions are there?Opiates should not be given to patients concurrently taking L-Deprenyl (Anipryl) or other Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors. Actually serious reactions have only been observed between L-Deprenyl and mepiridine (demerol) but, to be safe, the warning has been extended to all opiates. Tranquilizers and antihistamines should not be used with opiates as sedating properties may be overly enhanced. Use of this medication may falsely elevate lab test for pancreatitis (amylase and lipase levels) Diphenoxylate hydrochloride should be stored at room temperature in light resistant containers. This medication is contraindicated for diarrheas involving intestinal toxins (parvovirus enteritis or patients with liver failure would be a good example). In these cases, the absorption enhancing effects of diphenoxylate hydrochloride could be a serious problem as one would not want to enhance the absorption of intestinal toxins. This information is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advise concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for service provided by your veterinarian.
You may request a refill of your pet's prescription; however, submitting this form does not guarantee that the medicine will be refilled. All refills are reviewed by a doctor before being filled. If there is an issue, one of our staff members will contact you. When your prescription is ready for pick up we will contact you at your preferred method of contact.
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